P2 in K-12 Schools
| Organization(s) |
Massachusetts Office of Technical Assistance
|
| Project Description |
Serious chemical management issues have been identified in a majority of schools in Massachusetts, including: chemical stockpiles; unsafe chemical storage practices; the presence of aged, unstable (i.e., shock-sensitive), and extremely hazardous materials (i.e., hydrofluoric acid and mercuric chloride). School personnel are at risk from chemical exposure due to a lack of knowledge on the proper use, storage, and disposal of hazardous wastes. To address this situation and attempt to prevent it from reoccurring in the future, the Massachusetts Office of Technical Assistance (MA OTA) sought business support to set up a pilot program that facilitates businesses to partner with local schools, as a mentor. From this partnership, businesses can build strong community ties by using their expertise to address serious chemical management issues and assist in school chemical clean-outs. OTA received enthusiastic support from the Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) and the Massachusetts Chemical Technology Alliance (MCTA). This group will help the state to start the development of a chemical management program in schools. With the Department of Environmental Protection's involvement, additional opportunities to lower cost and expand capacity of school chemical clean-outs are also a focus of the study. The pilot will also include developing opportunities to incorporate green chemistry science programs as well as an OTA-led educational effort focused on chemical distributors that supply to schools. |
| More Info |
www.state.ma.us/ota/specprog.htm#schools |
| |
| Project Contact |
| Name |
Denise Zambrowski |
| Phone |
617-626-1071 |
| E-mail |
|
| |
| Project Keywords |
| Areas of P2 Expertise |
Risk Management |
| |
| Source |
| Newsletter |
Northeast States Pollution Prevention News - Vol. 12 No. 1, Spring 2002 [PDF] |
| Log In to enable links |
| Edit This Activity |
Add New Activity |
Delete This Activity |
